Fighters For Nicole

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• published: 08 Jan 2014
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www.youcaring.com/fightersfornicole - It was May 14th, 2012 when we first found out my sister, Nicole Jasien, had been diagnosed with stage 3C Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. It came as a shock to us all, her being only 28 years old and in seemingly good health. We weren't new to this disease; as our mother had successfully battled a small stint with breast cancer a few years prior. I remember speaking to Nicole after we received the diagnosis and her demeanor amazed me. She wasn't scared in the least. She shined with an attitude of resiliency. "I'm not worried, I know I can beat this". She knew that God had a plan for her and her family, and she was not going to let some little disease get in the way (I remember thinking "little disease?"). She quickly prepared for treatment like a champ. She underwent a double mastectomy on May 30th, 2012. She began Chemotherapy on July 2nd,2012 and underwent six very intense treatments over about 6 months. She handled the surgery and the treatments with the grace of a Kennedy, never feeling sorry for herself (except when vomiting, gross!). After Chemo, we were told there was no evidence of disease in her body, Remission Party!!!! She had her chest wall radiated as a precaution. She was seemingly out of the woods and went back to life as usual, raising her 3 amazing (and crazy) children Taylor (9), Kayden (7), and Jake (5). Through the entire treatment process, her mind and heart were directed to service within her faith and the sorority of those battling breast cancer. "How can we make something positive out of this situation?" She started an organization called Mom's Overcoming Cancer to help organize other mothers, of young children, battling cancer. She volunteered regularly at her church home (Christian Faith Fellowship) In August of this year, she woke up one morning with a terrible pain in her shoulder. Without medical insurance at the time, she brushed it off and the pain subsided. Cancer didn't even come to mind. A few months later she began getting severe pain in her chest. Her doctors at the time could not give her a reasonable explanation. After attending the funeral of Kim Bell, a fellow breast cancer fighter, Nicole decided to go see a specialist about the pain in her chest. On November 22nd we found out the cancer had entered her lymphatic system and metastasized into her bones in 9 different places within her hips, shoulders, sternum, skull, and spine. This puts her at stage-4 breast cancer, which most doctors deem incurable. This was one of those moments when life completely stops. I can't describe the many fears this put on her mind and heart. She met an amazing doctor (Dr. Karel Dicke) who is willing to battle this with the same intensity that she is. She begins another round of intense chemo this week and we are working on finding diets to supplement the treatments. She has not lost her amazing resiliency and continues to face this battle head on. She is a 30-year-young woman, lovingly raising three young kids on her own, and she has no plans losing this battle. It's just another challenge. Her love for life and her faith in God are undeniable. She's going to beat this. Why She Needs Our Help: I was once told (and firmly believe) that you can only help someone as much as they are willing to help themselves. Through this journey, my sister has become my hero. She is strong, selfless, and compassionate mother who continues to grow her ability to love, accept, and adapt to any situation she finds herself in. While we often find our ideas and beliefs in contention, she never ceases to love me unconditionally and be there for me in any time of need. It is no secret that treatment can be costly. But what is more costly is the toll it takes on ones daily life and ability to earn an income to support a family of four. My family and I have committed to exhausting every resource we have available to helping Nicole through this difficult time. She is still in need of help supplementing expensive doctors visits, prescriptions, raw-organic-whole food diets, basic living expenses, and childcare. My sister is a fighter. I have every ounce of faith in her success. She needs a little help. She is deserving of a little help. She, and our family, are extremely grateful for any thoughts, prayers, and help in any form through this chapter. - See more at: